tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383Mon, 02 Mar 2015 23:43:10 +0000Jim's Random ThoughtsJim's Random Thoughtshttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/noreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)Blogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-7909184454915465134Sun, 15 Sep 2013 14:15:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.140-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsLife in the Slow LaneOne of the joys of life is taking time with friends and new acquaintances to quietly talk and reflect on life in general. Such was the case one recent evening at Reflections Inn, when all of our guests gathered in our covered patio overlooking the Clearwater River to chat over a glass of wine before bed.<br/><br/>This spontaneous gathering included couples from Bismarck, North Dakota, La Rosa, California, and from (somewhere near) Worcestershire, England. The discussion ranged from "A European's Perspective on the 2nd Iraq War and Terrorism", to gun control, shale oil deposits and fracking, and the historical treatment of America's indigenous people (Native/Indian Tribal People). <br/><br/>During this discussion there was no yelling, no confrontations, just people talking quietly, in a respectful manner to each other. It turned out to be a delightful evening! It makes one wonder why more civil and respectful conversations can't be held at all levels of our society?<br/><br/>At the end of the evening I walked back to the main house of Reflections Inn thinking to myself that what happened that evening had been foretold over 25 years ago by Ruth, my wife. Back then, she described this evening when she wrote that she wanted to create a country inn with an atmosphere that encouraged relaxation, reflection, and respectful conversation. And that’s what we did.<br/><br/>It's feels good when a plan comes together; particularly a plan that has been in the making for 25 years. <br/> <br/>Jimhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2013/09/life-in-slow-lane.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-108973650575353237Tue, 03 Sep 2013 15:43:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.120-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsThe Mysterious Huckleberry PieOne morning, after over 10 years of return visits, I learned about how one of our favorite returnees ended up divorcing her first husband.<br/><br/>It turns out her husband loved huckleberry pie. So, as a devoted wife, she would bake him a huckleberry pie every so often just confirm that she loved him. Then one day she found a huckleberry pie in her freezer that was not her pie! When confronted, her husband claimed he knew nothing of the pie in the freezer nor who had baked the pie. <br/><br/>Not long afterward, she found a second mystery huckleberry pie in the freezer. By that time the handwriting for the marriage was written on the wall, or in this case, in the freezer, so they divorced. (As it turned out, she admitted to not only walking out, but before leaving taking the second pie and turning it upside down in the freezer). She later found out that the mysterious huckleberry pie maker was a woman 20 years younger, whom her husband married after their divorce. Then he divorced again and married a third time to an even younger woman. However, "None of them could bake huckleberry pie worth a darn", she said.<br/><br/>I really don't know what lesson to take away from this little story, but I found it interesting. I like huckleberry pie, a lot, but I don't ask my wife to make it for me nor do I ask her to iron my shirts, because she won't! <br/><br/>I do, as does Ruth, recognize that everyone who comes through our door as a guest is a unique person, who has their own story. It's that uniqueness, that one-of-a kind value, we attach to our guests that helps to us see everyday and every guest as fresh and new. It's this view that has made it possible for us to have operated Reflections Inn for 18 years - and still look forward to many more years to come.<br/><br/>Jimhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2013/09/the-mysterious-huckleberry-pie.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-8616458197052141458Tue, 27 Aug 2013 14:26:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.146-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsMaking MemoriesThis summer I made a trip to Ohio, to attend my 50th high school graduation reunion. The trip turned out to be much more nostalgic than I imagined it would be. I am pleased that the passage of time has helped make my memories more gentle and kind!<br/><br/>I imagine time has a way of distilling out all the petty grievances and worries we all carry with us and we come to a point when life itself - and the shear joy of living it- overshadows most other concerns. That may not be true for everyone, but it's true today, for me.<br/><br/>And, of course, since this is a blog about the Reflections Inn, I ultimately draw all lessons about life and human relations back to that beautiful place in the Bitterroot Mountains.<br/><br/>I've notice more recently that my close friends are also focusing more on making beautiful memories, as well as celebrating the lives they've lived. I could sense this last night at my reunion. There was a kindness and gentleness in the way we approached each other, it bordered on being almost reverential!<br/><br/>I've promised myself this morning, as I write this blog, to redouble my efforts to promote kind and gentle memories with each new guest contact. It may be a stretch, but Reflections Inn is much, much more than just a nice place to stay in the mountains overlooking the beautiful Clearwater River - it is a place in which memories are made and, perhaps even, lifetimes celebrated. It's true for Ruth and me, our family and close friends, but we want it to be true for other people who visit us and their families too!<br/><br/>Jimhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2013/08/making-memories.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-787393499793603073Thu, 15 Aug 2013 15:58:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.133-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsSummer Travel - It takes courage and patience!This summer I flew to San Jose, California to visit my sister while she was on temporary assignment there for her company. I flew in the middle of the summer - on a Saturday no less - need I say more! I fly what I call the "Funny Skies" of Southwest Airlines. That way, if the travel experience is bad, at least with Southwest I can usually laugh about it!<br/><br/>Traveling on a Saturday during the busiest part of the summer season, caused me to think more about what our Reflections Inn guests go through before they arrive at our doorway.<br/><br/>Although I managed to upgrade to a "Business Elite Class", it did not save me from experiencing the annoyance of having the back of my seat kicked intermittently by a 5 year old during the first leg of the flight. Nor did it protect me from the spillover into my seating space of a 300 pound plus man who sat next to me on the same leg of the flight. The complimentary cocktail helped (it came with the ticket upgrade), but I was still left with a slight facial twitch for a couple of days after the experience. <br/><br/>My mid summer trip reminded me of the importance of genuine, sincere, and heartfelt hospitality. The kind of hospitality that is based in the knowledge that travel today isn't always a pleasant, nor easy, experience. I came home from my trip thankful to be living in a relatively uncluttered, free of excessive noise and chaos (and, sorry, absence of precocious 5 year old children) world. Living in the beautiful Clearwater River Valley, in north central Idaho, is a true blessing - a blessing you fully realize when you travel outside the valley.<br/><br/>My wife, Ruth, showed a great deal of foresight 30 years ago in seeking out this beautiful place we've called home for the last 18 years. And thank goodness she not only had the vision, but her vision included the desire to share this experience with other people who seek out and find Reflections Inn.<br/><br/>Jim Mayhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2013/08/summer-travel-it-takes-courage-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-5022426372393937594Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:42:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.113-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsMy Empire for a Nut and BoltOperating an Inn along the Wild & Scenic Clearwater River involves more than cleaning rooms and mowing grass. It involves a lot of “people work”. Our guests bring with them, along with their luggage, their own unique stories and set of needs. And sometimes their requests are unusual.<br/><br/>This was the case just recently. A young couple cycling from Portland, Oregon, to somewhere far off to the East, came walking up our driveway, pushing their bicycles. It seems that the young lady's seat would not stay in the up position making it uncomfortable, if not impossible, to pedal the 70 to 90 miles they bike in a day.<br/><br/>Note: For those who are not familiar with living in the more wild and scenic rural places of our country, you need to know that almost every rural household has its own hardware annex. <br/><br/>In Idaho we rarely throw stuff away, because we know that if we keep it long enough it will be of use someday, to someone. And if not, we can always bequeath the junk to our heirs. I don't know how many years I had been saving that particular nut and bolt combination (and an assortment of washers), but that day my belief in saving everything forever was borne out and my conviction reaffirmed for another 20 years or until I die. So the bicycle seat was fixed and in a short time the couple continued along their way, happily pedaling up Highway 12. <br/><br/>It's hard to hold onto a belief for a long time in the hopes that in the end you are right. I know that my wife, Ruth, and I have held on to our vision for Reflections Inn through difficult and life threatening health issues and during other times of sagging strength and energy. But we stuck it out and Reflections Inn continues to be a pretty darn nice place in which to stay.<br/><br/>We are not done growing and changing. We've certainly not perfected this vision of hospitality that Ruth first put into words nearly 30 years ago. We constantly strive to make Reflections Inn an even better place to visit - and for us, a better place in which to live.<br/><br/>And, so, we will continue our work and continue to save all our screws, nuts, washers and bolts for the next tired and hot cyclists who walk their bike up our driveway seeking help!<br/><br/>Jimhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2013/07/my-empire-for-nut-and-bolt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-3828205357109578653Sat, 06 Jul 2013 15:49:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.126-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsBeing at PeaceNot long ago a daughter and her elderly mother stayed at Reflections Inn. The roles of mother and daughter had clearly reversed, since the Mother, Edna, was celebrating her 99th birthday. <br/><br/>They were taking a road trip to visit old family haunts, a trip just to see a little more of the world and to see, maybe for the last time for Edna, part of this majestically beautiful country we are so fortunate to live in here in the Bitterroot Mountains of North Central Idaho. "This was something she wanted to do when asked", said her daughter. So they were here at Reflections Inn, relaxing and enjoying the view of the Clearwater River from our Guest House.<br/><br/>When in my youth, I used to look at my then late-50's step-father and whisper quietly to myself that I would never allow myself to age as he had. Now, of course, I laugh at that notion as I too face one old-age related ailment after another.<br/><br/>As I watched Edna, I was amazed, however, at how very much alive and engaged in life she was. Edna was at peace with herself. She had fought all the real and imagined existential battles we all face in a lifetime, and now, she was just at peace marveling in the simple fact that she was alive and content to sit in a chair and rock, look, and listen to life all around her.<br/><br/>Marveling at life, our own or life that surrounds us, is important. It's so very easy to lose a sense of peace when we are constantly shuttling through life attending to one (supposedly) important matter after another. It's a joy, though, to stop for a while and just 'Be' and that is why Reflections Inn exists – to provide a place in which one can be at peace, marvel at life, and just BE!<br/><br/><br/>Jimhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2013/07/being-at-peace.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-5328173971602232327Thu, 27 Jun 2013 19:58:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.107-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsBecause Caring is ImportantRecently I underwent hip replacement surgery. The operation was performed in a nearby community hospital, in a university town. It went beautifully and recovery so far is progressing at an astounding rate.<br/><br/>While the skill of the surgeon and the hospital staff was clearly appreciated, my wife and I were also deeply touched by the number of caring people we encountered during my time in the hospital.<br/><br/>At Reflections Inn, we recognize how important it is to care about others. Of course, being hospitalized and undergoing a major operation creates a situation of vulnerability that makes all of us more sensitive to and aware of acts of caring.<br/><br/>The teachings of major religions and the current writings of a number of modern day authors extol the virtues of caring. Even psychologists write that caring is a major part of our social genetic make-up (in spite of the many highly publicized acts of brutality).<br/><br/>Caring and kindness toward other human beings, and for that matter, toward all life, is prevalent and runs through the history and culture of all of humanity. We feel better when we are compassionate. In many ways, caring is a natural state for us as human beings.<br/><br/>At Reflections Inn we constantly strive to show others that we care about them, as whole people, not just as our guests. We're not perfect and we all sometimes have to remind ourselves about the importance of caring for others. When we remember to care we enrich our own lives as well as the lives of others and that makes our world a better place to live.<br/><br/><br/>Jim Mayhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2013/06/because-caring-is-important.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-6725899241175463743Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:23:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.100-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsOne Pancake, Two Pancakes.........A snug blanket of white snow lies on the ground this time of the year and we've entered the season of reading by the fire, snoozing more than we should, chopping and stacking fire wood, doing a little snow shoeing, and playing word games. That pretty much describes our winter months here in North Central Idaho. Up river folks, as we refer to ourselves, also take more time to socialize during the winter by holding pot luck dinners with friends and taking afternoon walks up the mountain side behind Reflections Inn.<br/><br/>This year one our talented friends engraved a 20 lb rock with two simple words on it, “One Pancake". The idea was to place the rock along the walking trail that is located up the hill behind Reflections Inn. The engraved rock would be placed at the distance it would take a hiker to burn off the calories of one pancake. After consuming a hearty brunch, a group of us installed the rock on New Year’s Day, at a location roughly a third of the way up the trail. Ultimately we will place three "Pancake" rocks along the trail, which is a distance of a mile and a quarter one way. This should add a little more fun for our guests who walk the trail - a trail that leads to a beautiful overlook of the Clearwater River Valley.<br/><br/>Most everyone who is serious about the hospitality business puts their guests and service first, as we do at Reflections Inn. But Ruth and I strive to go a little deeper. We want to honor our guests as whole human beings and recognize and respect their distinct differences. By appreciating our guests’ uniqueness we have come to recognize the best that exists within each of us. This makes us happy and content - and we believe this view better serves the needs of our guest.<br/><br/>Many Well Wishes for a Happy New Year!<br/><br/>Jim Mayhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2013/01/one-pancake-two-pancakes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-7786366572331097016Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:43:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.094-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsA Place for Adults- A Niche Market<a href="http://reflectionsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/EnjoyingRiver.jpg.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-630" alt="EnjoyingRiver.jpg" src="http://reflectionsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/EnjoyingRiver.jpg-300x202.jpg" width="300" height="202" /></a>One of our earliest lessons learned (among many others) at Reflections Inn involved choosing the most appropriate market for our style of Inn.<br/><br/>The first lesson involved a bug hunt conducted by two young, precocious boys. They successfully completed an extensive bug hunt on our property, capturing many species of live bugs. The only problem was that they released all of them in their room. Their parents were impressed, dismissing the event as just another important lesson learned in life, saying, "Boys will be boys".<br/><br/>The second lesson learned involved an inquisitive little girl I found in our bedroom, going through our drawers. She wasn't stealing; she was just interested in what was in the drawers! The parents were enjoying a much deserved rest while reading in the sun and leaving their children to explore their surroundings, unsupervised.<br/><br/>The third lesson occurred soon thereafter and stood to punctuate the lessons learned from the first two events. A guest called to inquire about availability and asked immediately, “Is it possible to peacefully read a book at your Inn without being disturbed?” And with that, our decision was made.<br/><br/>Since we are sandwiched in-between two larger, family and pet oriented resorts, it seemed logical to rethink our market and focus on providing a "Quiet Getaway" for adults. We love children and we do occasionally make a rare exception for a child under 12, but we are careful to preserve the sanctity of our adult guests.<br/><br/>The quality of our guest space is important to us! Our sense is that there are a number of adults seeking the solace of a quiet place like Reflections Inn; set along the banks of the Clearwater River, in the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains of North Central Idaho, where, in fact, they can read a book or choose to be by themselves with their thoughts. They have too often found themselves trapped in lodging that reminds them of the same noisy, hectic world they sought to escape from. The Reflections Inn promises the calm experience they seek! Join us and find out for yourself.<br/><br/>Jim Mayhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2012/11/a-place-for-adults-niche-market.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-1970403859856056132Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:51:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.087-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsThrough the Eyes of Our GuestsAccording to Baxter Black, a Western entertainer and social critic, rural people are different. We deeply identify with a "Sense of Place" and that is especially true in our case. Ruth and I enjoy looking up to find the horizon - it causes us to see all that lies in-between, including the people. I think suburbanites and city folks look down at their feet too often in their rush to get from point A to point B.<br/><br/>But there are other values according to Baxter that make rural people different. We work hard, believe in something beyond ourselves, and for the most part, we are gracious and express gratitude. We also love the land, family, friends, and readily help others in our community who are in trouble, even if we don't especially see eye to eye with them.<br/><br/>So it's with a lot of pleasure that we keep seeing Reflections Inn in different ways through the eyes of our guests. Even a brief stay may mean an all-important moment of respite from the gnawing problems of a scary world. I was standing in the parking lot one day when a young delivery man drove up. The first thing he said when he got out of his truck was, "Wow, this is beautiful!”. Of course, he had just moved to Lewiston, Idaho from Las Vegas so his response was understandable.<br/><br/>Not long ago we helped an elderly couple who stumbled into the Inn late one night. They were lost, tired and very confused. They had mistakenly booked a room in Grangeville, Idaho (40 miles away), but we were not about to turn them around and send them up the winding mountainous road to Grangeville in the dark. They sent us a note once they arrived home saying that we had indeed 'saved them' and that their brief stay at Reflections Inn turned out to be one of the highlights of their trip.<br/><br/>For us, a genuine welcoming smile and looking out for our guests’ safety and comfort is a core commitment. The Reflections Inn is more than a quiet getaway in a beautiful and scenic area of the Northwest. It is about valuing the relationships we develop with our guests and, yes, helping them see the beauty that surrounds them, the beauty that exists in their lives and in ours!<br/><br/>Jim May<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>&nbsp;http://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2012/10/through-eyes-of-our-guests.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-2266693542937733551Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:00:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.081-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsNew Reflections Inn Sign and Early Reservations-<img class="alignleft" title="gate and sign" src="http://reflectionsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/gate-and-sign1-300x225.jpg" alt="Reflections Inn entry and sign" width="300" height="225" />We have a new sign that speaks of another subtle change that Reflections is undergoing. Our attractive new stone sign simply says, "Reflections". The stone is symbolic of our commitment to the inn keeping business and its natural beauty blends with the scenic Clearwater River Valley. Keep that in mind as you travel down Highway 12 along the Middlefork of the Clearwater River to Reflections Inn, because, in keeping with the natural beauty along this Idaho Wild and Scenic Byway, you will not see flashing neon signs pointing to our location.<br/><br/>More than 4,000 guests have stayed with us over the past 17 years and a significant number of those guests are repeat visitors. The idea that Reflections Inn is a quiet, get-away place is well established in the minds of our previous guests and we strive to maintain that reputation.<br/><br/>We encourage everyone to make reservations as far in advance as possible so that we can continue to provide the high level of care and attention we have established for all of our guests. Give us a call or send an email and we’ll be happy to discuss your lodging requests.<br/><br/>Good thoughts to all ... and we hope to see you at Reflections Inn soon!<br/><br/>Jim Mayhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2012/09/new-reflections-inn-sign-and-early.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-1782178987053842266Sun, 12 Aug 2012 12:51:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.075-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsLate Summer 2012-<img class="alignleft" title="motorcycle group" src="http://reflectionsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/motorcycle-group-300x211.jpg" alt="motorcycle group " width="300" height="211" />Motorcyclists and motorcycle groups have continued to frequent Reflections Inn this season, with more groups on their way in the early fall. We are a great stop over for these groups.<br/><br/>The fall is fast approaching so fly fishers will soon be heading our way. September and early October are often two of our most beautiful months of the year and we are looking forward to a different set of guests with a slightly different perspective on the "Good Life". We are looking forward to serving dedicated fly fishers and others who just want one more trip to the woods before winter sets in.<br/><br/>Jim Mayhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2012/08/late-summer-2012.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-3371386828602178512Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:19:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.068-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsParty On? Maybe Not-[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class=" " style="border: 2px solid black;" title="patio seating at Reflections Inn" src="http://reflectionsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0667-300x225.jpg" alt="Guest House patio at Reflections Inn, Kooskia, Idaho" width="300" height="225" /> Guests House patio at Reflections Inn[/caption]<br/><br/>Early on in our experience as Inn Keepers, we went through some growing Pains, like most new businesses. I remember my wife, Ruth, telling me about a young couple; two beautiful, athletic, and full of life, young people who fell in love with Reflections Inn. My wife related the story to me one evening after the couple left. It seems that while sitting out front of the Guest House with Ruth, the young lady challenged her fiancé to a race down the drive, a swim across the Clearwater River and a run back to the Inn. No rules were discussed, the couple just took off after she issued the challenge.Surprisingly the young lady started to shed her clothing as she race down the drive, as did her fiancé. By the time they reached the river they were nude and it's at that point the story became a little murky. I do know that the young lady won the race, but allegedly some truck traffic was stopped on Highway 12 as the couple raced back up the lane (nude) to the Inn.We soon realized that we wanted the inn to be more of a peaceful retreat rather than a “Party On" type of place. We've accomplished that by shifting the expectations of the Inn to a more mature, fun-loving place; an atmosphere that respects privacy, but at the same time sets the stage for good conversation and lively fellowship. This is, after all, our home first and business second.<br/><br/>Recently we hosted two couples from France and another gentleman and his daughter from China; who, upon leaving, pleadingly said, "Please don't change this place"!<br/><br/>While it is not Party Central, Reflections Inn, Kooskia, Idaho, is a great place to think good thoughts, share great conversation, and meet interesting people, if you choose.<br/><br/><br/>Jim Mayhttp://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2012/07/party-on-maybe-not.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389388515723195383.post-9158525751204129641Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:41:00 +00002014-02-24T13:34:25.061-08:00Jim's Random ThoughtsCreating a New Reality in the Bitterroot Mountains&nbsp;<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_448" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://reflectionsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/oakbarrel-chair-wide.jpg.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-448 " style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border: 2px solid black;" title="Scenery from the front porch at Reflections Inn" src="http://reflectionsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/oakbarrel-chair-wide.jpg-300x217.jpg" alt="Scenery from the front porch at Reflections Inn" width="300" height="217" /></a> View from the front porch at Reflections Inn[/caption]<br/><br/><strong>Our Beginning-</strong><br/>While driving on the Blue Ridge Highway in the early summer of 1985, my wife, Ruth, began reflecting on her career in residential real estate development. She realized that she was no longer satisfied to simply earn an income and she found no meaning in her work. She had come to a major turning point in her life and she knew she wanted a new direction.<br/><br/><strong>Jumping forward 10 years-</strong><br/>In 1995 <strong>Reflections Inn</strong>, as we know it today (formerly Lookingglass Inn), was purchased and work was begun on transforming it into the quiet, restful and peaceful place it is today. Located on the beautiful Clearwater River in north central Idaho, Reflections Inn offers a natural beauty that is breathtaking in its simplicity.<br/><br/><strong>A New Reality-</strong><br/>Over the years many individuals, couples, and small groups of friends and family have discovered Reflections Inn and, even if for only a short time, have created their own peaceful, quiet and renewing reality. Reflections Inn is a place to get quiet with yourself and with others, or perhaps even read a good book and explore personal thoughts.<br/><br/><strong><em>"How beautiful it is to do nothing, then to rest afterwards"</em></strong><br/>-An old Spanish proverb<br/><br/>This speaks to the vision behind the Reflections Inn. There seems to be so much chaos in today's world. This chaos seeps into our daily lives and wears us down; we need a sanctuary from the chaos, even if just for a day, where we can begin to find ourselves, our humanity again.<br/><br/>For the past 17 years, Reflections Inn has welcomed many guests back, over and over again. Many of our guests have become dear friends and we follow each other's lives. We are a place that treats you, well, like a dear friend or family. Ruth has been and continues to be the heart and soul of this place. It was, after all, her dream, her vision, that brought this Inn into being. Reflections Inn thrives today, because of her dedication to providing a safe respite for herself and others in an otherwise maddening and chaotic world.<br/><br/>Come yourself, bring your friends and or family to the Reflections Inn.<br/><blockquote><strong>As Virginia Wolf wrote, "<em>A luxury ... a quiet place in the heart of chaos</em>."</strong></blockquote><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>&nbsp;http://blog.reflectionsinn.com/2012/06/creating-new-reality-in-bitterroot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Reflections Inn)0